[79] Gent’s Mag., 1830.
[80] Sully’s Memoirs, vol. ii.
[81] Sully’s Memoirs, vol. iii.
[82] Miscellaneous State Papers, vol. i. No. 26.
[83] “The rich tapestry and arras hangings which belonged to St. James’s Palace, Hampton Court, Whitehall, and other Royal Seats, were purchased for Cromwell: these were inventoried at a sum not exceeding £30,000. One piece of eight parts at Hampton Court was appraised at £8,260: this related to the History of Abraham. Another of ten parts, representing the History of Julius Cæsar, was appraised at £5019.”
CHAPTER XII.
ROMANCES WORKED IN TAPESTRY.
“And storied loves of knights and courtly dames,
Pageants and triumphs, tournaments and games.”
Rose’s Partenopex.
It has been a favourite practice of all antiquity to work with the needle representations of those subjects in which the imagination and the feelings were most interested. The labours of Penelope, of Helen, and Andromache, are proverbial, and this mode of giving permanency to the actions of illustrious individuals was not confined to the classical nations. The ancient islanders used to work—until the progress of art enabled them to weave the histories of their giants and champions in Tapestry; and the same thing is recorded of the old Persians; and this furniture is still in high request among many Oriental nations, especially in Japan and China. The royal palace of Jeddo has profusion of the finest Tapestry; this indeed is gorgeous, being wrought with silk, and adorned with pearls, gold, and silver.